NRA backing Boucher

Moving quickly in the face of what could be his most serious electoral threat in decades, Democratic Rep. Rick Boucher has secured the endorsement of the National Rifle Association, POLITICO has learned.

The gun-rights group sent Boucher a letter dated Monday touting his A+ legislative rating and "proven and consistent commitment to our Second Amendment Rights."

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Word of the endorsement — a major poltical asset in Boucher's rural, Southwest Virginia district — comes one day after state House Majority Leader Morgan Griffith indicated he was challenging the 28-year incumbent.

Boucher has not had a serious challenge since his first re-election in 1984 in part because he's steadfastly opposed gun restrictions and denied his GOP opponents from winning the much-sought NRA endorsement.